Tractors, food, crafts, animals and entertainment - celebrate Norfolk’s harvest in the heart of the city as the Norfolk HarFest returns for its third year

In association with Woodforde’s Brewery

Food on show at the farmers' market in the Cloisters for a previous Norfolk HarFest at Norwich Cathedral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

Join in the fun of a free celebration of Norfolk’s farming community as the Norfolk HarFest returns to the heart of Norwich for a third year on Saturday, October 6, between 10am-4pm at Norwich Cathedral.

Loved by famiies and foodies, HarFest was founded by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), the organisation behind the Royal Norfolk Show. It’s a celebration of food, farming and the countryside at a time of year when the harvest season marks an important date in the farming calendar.

This year Norfolk Harfest is held in association with Woodforde’s Brewery.

It is the third year the one-day autumn fayre has been held in Cathedral Close and Mark Nicholas, show and programmes director at the RNAA says the event is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Framed in the cloisters, Amy Bekooy with her Crush Foods stall at the farmers' market for the Norfolk HarFest 2017 at Norwich Cathedral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

“This is our third year of bringing a wonderful autumn celebration to the heart of Norwich. The previous years have been such a success, and this is a momentum we are keen to keep up.”

“For the agricultural community the harvest is a special and important time and we are keen for visitors to come and celebrate with us in a fun and exciting way. Whether that’s through supporting the many local producers at the farmer’s market or through teaching the younger generation about the farm animals and technology so important to this industry.”

Try treats from the farmer’s market (sponsored by Leathes Prior Solicitors), a HarFest favourite, which sees the Cathedral Cloisters transformed by a host of Norfolk artisan producers including Bakeshack, Crush Foods, Candi’s Chutney, Fielding Cottage plus many more. Food, drink and crafts will all be available to buy from Norfolk makers and creators.

Family favourite, Mr Mawkins Farm, will be given an autumnal makeover especially for the event. Children can meet and learn about farm animals including cattle, sheep, geese and goats as well as learn about the science and technology behind the farming machinery that helps the industry in the 21st century. A combine harvester, tractors and a John Deere gator will all have made their way to the Cathedral so the family can take the driving seat and smile for a photo.

Expect the unexpected at Harfest at Norwich Cathedral Picture RNAA

The fun doesn’t stop there, play ’Watch That Cow Pat’ with the Norfolk Young Farmers and don’t forget to stop by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) table and learn how the spinners spin wool. Why not bring along the little ones to make some woodland crafts?

Live entertainment is a key feature of HarFest and this year there will be two performance stages including one inside the Cathedral hosting a range of local bands and performing arts groups. The Norfolk County Symphonic Windband will be performing in the Cathedral Stage at 2pm on the day.

Other performers include Helen Bluebell, Cathedral Girls Choir, Close Encounters, Airmail Duo, Soul Purpose, Lucy Grubb and Humans. So grab a hay bale and a pint from the Woodforde’s bar and enjoy the music!

Performers include.

The heart of the countryside comes to the heart of the city - Harfest at Norwich Cathedral. Picture RNAA

HarFest will be welcoming Norfolk artists to exhibit their work. Over 100 works will be on show in the Cathedral nave; adding more things to do and see.

This year HarFest will be supporting The Farming Community Network (FCN). The FCN is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times.